Gaming device having a free spin game

ABSTRACT

A gaming device including a re-initiation mode wherein the probability of extending the bonus game is increased by fixing the reel or reels displaying a locking symbol on the reel. In the re-initiation mode embodiment, the gaming device re-activates some or all of the reels except the reel displaying the locking symbol for a predetermined number of additional free spins or until the reactivated reels display or indicate a terminating symbol on the reels. The gaming device provides any outcomes associated with indicated symbols or combination of symbols. In one embodiment, if a terminating symbol is displayed on designated reels during one of the additional free spins, the gaming device re-initiates the bonus game.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/953,812, filed on Sep. 29, 2004, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/661,443,filed on Sep. 12, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,074,127 which is acontinuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/241,255, filed Sep. 11, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.7,056,213 the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following commonly-owned co-pendingpatent applications: “GAMING DEVICE HAVING FREE GAMES BONUS WITH ACHANGING MULTIPLIER,” Ser. No. 10/086,146, Attorney Docket No.112300-0740; “GAMING DEVICE HAVING A VARIED WILD SYMBOL IN A BONUSGAME,” Ser. No. 10/243,512, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-755; “GAMINGDEVICE HAVING A BONUS GAME WITH MULTIPLE PLAYER SELECTABLE AWARDOPPORTUNITIES,” Ser. No. 10/237,207, Attorney Docket No. 112300-0767;”“GAMING DEVICE HAVING EXTENDER SYMBOLS,” Ser. No. 10/191,197, AttorneyDocket No. 0112300-1015; “GAMING DEVICE INCLUDING A GAME HAVING PLAYERSELECTED FUNCTION BASED ON SYMBOLS IN A FREE SPINS GAME,” Ser. No.10/243,052, Attorney Docket No. 112300-1060; “GAMING DEVICE HAVING ABONUS GAME WITH MULTIPLE PLAYER SELECTABLE AWARD OPPORTUNITIES,” Ser.No. 10/660,076, Attorney Docket No. 112300-1626; “GAMING DEVICE HAVINGSEQUENTIAL ACTIVATIONS OF A GAME AND REPLAY OF PREVIOUS ACTIVATIONS OFTHE GAME,” Ser. No. 10/956,508, Attorney Docket No. 112300-2192; “GAMINGDEVICE WITH CHANGING WILD SYMBOLS,” Ser. No. 10/956,303, Attorney DocketNo. 112300-2195; “GAMING DEVICE HAVING FREE SPIN MODE WITH SYMBOLELIMINATION,” Ser. No. 10/953,818, Attorney Docket No. 112300-2199;“GAMING DEVICE HAVING A RE-TRIGGERING SYMBOL BONUS SCHEME WITH A BONUSSYMBOL ACCUMULATOR AND PLAYER SELECTION OF ACCUMULATION TOTAL,” Ser. No.10/952,656, Attorney Docket No. 112300-2553; “GAMING DEVICE HAVINGTRANSFORMABLE WILD SYMBOLS OR CARDS WITH WILD SIGNAL INDICATORS,” Ser.No. 10/920,798, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-2554; “GAMING DEVICE HAVINGWILD INDICATORS,” Ser. No. 11/015,842, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-2593;“GAMING DEVICE HAVING WILD INDICATORS,” Ser. No. 10/982,096, AttorneyDocket No. 0112300-2618; “GAMING DEVICE WITH WILD ACTIVATION SYMBOLS ANDWILD TERMINATION SYMBOLS,” Ser. No. 10/966,223, Attorney Docket No.0112300-2629; “GAMING DEVICE HAVING A RE-TRIGGER SYMBOL BONUS SCHEME,”Ser. No. 11/156,112, Attorney Docket No. 112300-2842; GAMING DEVICEINCLUDING A GAME HAVING A WILD SYMBOL RELATED AWARD, Ser. No.11/463,815, Attorney Docket No. 112300-3440; GAMING DEVICE INCLUDING AGAME HAVING A WILD SYMBOL RELATED AWARD, Ser. No. 11/463,818, AttorneyDocket No. 112300-3441; GAMING DEVICE HAVING A FREE SPIN GAME. Ser. No.11/459,872, Attorney Docket No. 112300-3442; GAMING DEVICE HAVING APROBABILITY-ENHANCING TRIGGER SYMBOL, Ser. No. 11/456,016, AttorneyDocket No. 112300-3443; and GAMING DEVICE INCLUDING A GAME HAVING A WILDSYMBOL RELATED AWARD, Ser. No. 11/464,347, Attorney Docket No.112300-3492.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or maycontain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyrightowner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of thepatent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appearsin the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwisereserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming device manufacturers strive to make gaming devices that provideas much enjoyment and excitement as possible. Providing a game in whicha player has an opportunity to win potentially large awards or creditsis one way to enhance player enjoyment and excitement.

Currently, gaming machines or devices provide games wherein a player hasone or more opportunities to obtain a winning symbol combination onmechanical or video reels. The winning symbol combination may be alongthe same payline or on different paylines (known as a scatter pay). Byproviding gaming devices with more winning symbol combinations, playershave more opportunities to receive an award.

In known gaming devices, however, the probability of obtaining thelargest award (i.e., the jackpot award) is typically much lower than theprobability of obtaining the other awards in a game. Thus, although aplayer may obtain more awards in a game, these awards are generally therelatively small awards and not the relatively large awards such as thejackpot award.

Many jurisdictions have regulations that prohibit changing theprobability of occurrence associated with the reel symbols. This makesit more difficult to create bonus or secondary games with high payoutsusing the base game reels and reel symbols.

Gaming devices that increase the probability of obtaining the relativelylarge award and specifically, the jackpot award, are desirable. Toincrease player enjoyment and excitement, it is desirable to provide newgames and gaming devices which increase the likelihood or probabilitythat the player will obtain one or more relatively large awards in agame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a gaming device including an awardmode and a re-initiation mode of a primary game or bonus game where theprobability of obtaining an award or an outcome and, specifically, arelatively large award increases when the player enters the award modeor the re-initiation mode of the bonus game.

In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of reels, eachhaving a plurality of symbols. These symbols include a plurality ofaward symbols, at least one non-award symbol or null symbol or blank, atleast one trigger symbol or symbol combination, and at least one wildsymbol. One or more paylines are associated with the reels to indicatesymbols or symbol combinations on the reels which are evaluated forwinning symbol combinations. The symbols may be any suitable symbolssuch as letters, numbers, characters or any other suitable images. Theaward mode also includes a triggering event which, in one embodiment,includes a trigger symbol occurring on the reels. In one embodiment, thetriggering event occurs when the trigger symbol is indicated on adesignated reel on one of the paylines associated with the reels. Inanother embodiment, the triggering event occurs when the trigger symboloccurs on any of the paylines.

In a primary game, the gaming device initiates the award mode when thetriggering event occurs in the game. In the award mode, the gamingdevice holds the reel including the trigger symbol stationary whileactivating or spinning the other reels until those reels indicate a wildsymbol on the payline. The gaming device then holds the reels includingthe wild symbols stationary while reactivating or re-spinning the reelincluding the trigger symbol. Thus, the award mode effectively reducesthe game to a single reel game where only one of the award symbols onthe reel indicates a winning symbol combination in the award mode.

In the award mode, the gaming device re-activates or re-spins the reelincluding the trigger symbol until one of the award symbols is indicatedon the payline on that reel. For instance, if a non-award or nullsymbol, or the trigger symbol is indicated on the payline in the awardmode, the gaming device re-spins the reel until one of the award symbolsor the wild symbol is indicated on the payline. The null symbols and thetrigger symbol do not provide an award to the player in the award modebut, instead, cause the gaming device to re-spin the reels. Therefore,the player is guaranteed to receive one of the award symbols or the wildsymbol in the award mode before the award mode ends. Reducing the numberof symbols that may be indicated on the payline to end the game,increases the probability that any one of the award symbols will beindicated on the payline. The gaming device then provides the awardassociated with the indicated award symbol or the indicated award symbolcombination to the player. The award is added to the player's totalaward in a total award display and the bonus mode ends. In anotherembodiment, the player continues to re-activate the reels in the awardmode if the player has spins remaining in the award mode.

The gaming device of the present invention effectively reduces the gameto a single reel game or event which increases the probability or chancethat a player will obtain an award in the award mode and, specifically,that the player will obtain a relatively large award such as a jackpotaward in the award mode. For example, in a three-reel slot game, if eachof the reels in the game includes twenty symbols including the triggersymbol, wild symbol, and non-award or null symbols, the probability orchance of obtaining an award symbol combination in that game is (1/20)×( 1/20)×( 1/20) or 1 in 8000.

In the award mode the game is reduced to a single reel game as describedabove. Therefore, the probability of obtaining an award symbol (orsymbol combination) in the award mode significantly increases. Theprobability is determined by multiplying the probability of the triggersymbol being indicated in the primary game (i.e., 1 in 20) by theprobability of indicating one of the award symbols occurring in theaward mode (i.e., 1 in 9). Therefore, the probability of one of theaward symbols (or symbol combinations) being indicated in the game(through the award mode) is ( 1/20)×( 1/9), which equals a probabilityof ( 1/180). Thus, it is significantly more likely that the player willobtain one of the award symbols and, therefore, a winning award symbolcombination in the game through the award mode. This increases theplayer's excitement and enjoyment of the game because the player has agreater opportunity or probability of obtaining the relatively largeaward or jackpot award in the award mode.

In one embodiment, a probability of being indicated on the payline isassociated with each of the symbols on the reels. In one aspect of thisembodiment, the probability associated with the trigger symbol is lessthan the probability associated with at least one of the award symbols,null symbols and the wild symbol on the reels. In another aspect of thisembodiment, the probability associated with the trigger symbol is lessthan a plurality of the probabilities associated with the award symbols,null symbols and the wild symbol. In a further aspect of thisembodiment, the probability associated with the trigger symbol is lessthan all of the probabilities associated with the award symbols, nullsymbols and the wild symbol in the game.

Similarly, in another embodiment, the award symbols include onerelatively large award and several relatively small awards. In thisembodiment, a probability of being indicated on the payline isassociated with the award symbols such that the probability associatedwith the award symbol including the relatively large award is less thanat least one of the probabilities associated with the award symbolsincluding the relatively small awards being indicated on the payline. Inanother embodiment, the probability associated with the award symbolincluding the relatively large award is less than a plurality of theprobabilities associated with the award symbols including the relativelysmall awards. In a further embodiment, the probability associated withthe award symbol including the relatively large award is less than allof the probabilities associated with the award symbols including therelatively small awards.

In a further embodiment, the award mode of the present inventionincludes an award associated with a winning symbol combination includingall wild symbols. In this embodiment, if the award mode is initiated anda wild symbol is indicated on the payline associated with the reels, incombination with the other wild symbols indicated on the payline, thegaming device provides the maximum or largest award in the game, such asthe jackpot award. In another embodiment, the gaming device provides apredetermined award associated with a winning symbol combinationincluding wild symbols in the game.

It should be appreciated that although the present application primarilydiscusses a trigger symbol, a combination of symbols (i.e., a triggersymbol combination) could be employed to trigger the award mode. Itshould also be appreciated that the trigger symbol could function as awild symbol and one of the other reels could be re-activated.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, theprobability-enhancing symbol includes a wild symbol which re-initiatesor extends a bonus game. When a wild symbol occurs on at least one of aplurality of reels or designated reels, the gaming device locks, fixes,or holds stationary the position of the reel displaying the wild symboland re-activates only the designated reels. The gaming device proceedsto hold stationary any designated reel displaying a wild symbol. As eachreel displaying a wild symbol is held, the probability of obtaining awild symbol on all of the designated reels is enhanced.

In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of reels, eachhaving a plurality of symbols. The reels may be mechanical or videoreels and include several symbols. In one embodiment, in addition to atleast two wild symbols on separate or different reels, the symbolsinclude a plurality of award symbols and at least one non-award symbolor null symbol or blank. The symbols may be any suitable symbols such asletters, numbers, characters or any other suitable images.

One or more paylines are included in the display to indicate symbols orsymbol combinations on the reels which are evaluated for winning symbolcombinations. It should be appreciated that any suitable number ofpaylines may be employed in the game.

A plurality of awards are associated with the award symbols orcombination of award symbols according to a paytable. If an award symbolor combination of award symbols has an associated award and is indicatedon an activated payline, the gaming device provides the associated awardor awards in each spin of the reels. In one embodiment, no award isassociated with a null symbol.

In one embodiment, the game play includes providing one or more freespins of the reels to the player. A “spins remaining” display indicatesthe number of spins remaining in a game. The number of free spins may berandomly determined, predetermined, determined by a wager made by aplayer, or determined according to any suitable method. In each spin,the gaming device determines the award, if any, associated with anyindicated award symbols on the reels as discussed above.

The gaming device, in one embodiment, provides the player with a totalaward in each of the spins where the total award is based on the awardand/or modifiers associated with the award symbols indicated in eachspin. The total award in each of the spins is added to the player'stotal award indicated in the total award display. The gaming device orthe player continues to spin the reels until there are no spinsremaining. The gaming device then provides the player with the totalaward indicated in the total award display at the end of the game.

In one embodiment, upon a triggering event in a base game or bonus game,the player enters a game-extending or bonus game-extending orre-initiation mode. In one embodiment, the re-initiation mode istriggered when a wild symbol is displayed on one of the designated reelsor paylines. In one embodiment, the wild symbol occurs when the wildsymbol is indicated on a designated reel on one of the paylinesassociated with the reels. In another embodiment, the wild symbol occurson the reels when the wild symbol is indicated on any of the paylines.In a further embodiment, the wild symbol occurs on a designated reel ifthe wild symbol is generated at any displayed position on the reel.Thereafter, in one embodiment of the re-initiation mode, certaindesignated reels undergo a predetermined number of spins to determine ifthe player will continue in the base or bonus game.

In the re-initiation mode, the gaming device holds stationary or fixesthe position of the reel(s) which include wild symbols. The gamingdevice concurrently, either simultaneously or sequentially, activates orspins the other designated reels a predetermined or accumulated numberof free spins or until a wild symbol is displayed on the reels orindicated on a payline. Alternatively, the gaming device re-activates orre-spins any of the reels not displaying a wild symbol including,non-designated reels. If wild symbols are generated and displayed oneach of the designated reels or paylines within the predetermined numberof spins, the gaming device re-initiates the bonus game. In anotherembodiment, if the player has spins remaining in the re-initiation mode,the gaming device continues to re-activate the non-designated reels inthe re-initiation mode to potentially increase the total award.

In one embodiment, the game reduces the number of reels on which a wildsymbol must be displayed by locking or holding stationary the reel orreels that display a wild symbol as described above. Reducing the numberof reels on which wild symbols must appear in order for the bonus gameto be extended increases the probability that any one of the wildsymbols will be indicated on the payline or reel. In one embodiment, inwhich fewer than the total number of reels are designated to displaywild symbols to re-initiate the bonus game, the gaming deviceeffectively reduces the game to a double or single-reel game or event.The reduction of the number of reels on which a wild symbol must bedisplayed increases the probability or chance that a combination ofreels displaying wild symbols will occur to re-initiate the bonus gameand obtain a larger award.

The probability is determined by multiplying the probability of the wildsymbol being indicated on each of the reels or on the same payline ofeach of the reels in the bonus game. As discussed above, in a three-reelslot game, if each of the reels in the game includes twenty symbols,including one wild symbol, the probability or chance of obtaining acombination of wild symbols on the same paylines of all three reels is (1/20)×( 1/20)×( 1/20) or 1 in 8000 or 0.0125%. The probability ofindicating wild symbols on the same payline for two reels is for tworeels is ( 1/20)×( 1/20), which equals a probability of 1 in 400 or0.25%, and, for one reel, 1 in 20 or 5%. Thus, it is significantly morelikely that the player will obtain the combination of wild symbolsrequired to extend the bonus game when the reels are locked upondisplaying a wild symbol. This increases the player's excitement andenjoyment of the game because the player has a greater opportunity orprobability of obtaining the relatively large award or jackpot award insubsequent play of the bonus game.

In one embodiment, a probability of being indicated on the payline isassociated with each of the symbols on the reels. In one aspect of thisembodiment, the probability associated with the wild symbols is lessthan the probability associated with at least one of the award symbols,and null symbols on the reels. In another aspect of this embodiment, theprobability associated with the wild symbol is less than a plurality ofthe probabilities associated with the award symbols and null symbols. Ina further aspect of this embodiment, the probability associated with thewild symbol is less than all of the probabilities associated with theaward symbols and null symbols.

Similarly, in another embodiment, the award symbols include onerelatively large award and several relatively small awards and have aprobability of being indicated on the payline associated with the awardsymbols as discussed above.

In another embodiment, during the re-initiation mode, the gaming deviceprovides a predetermined award associated with a winning symbolcombination including wild symbols in the game. The wild symbol in thisembodiment represents any symbol necessary to create a winningcombination. For example, if a combination of three like symbolsadjacent to one another on a payline generate an award, then two likesymbols adjacent to a wild symbol will provide a winning combination tothe player.

In a further embodiment, the re-initiation mode of the present inventionincludes an award associated with a winning symbol combination includinga wild symbol or a combination including all wild symbols. In thisembodiment, if the re-initiation mode is triggered and the wild symbolsare indicated on the same payline, the gaming device provides themaximum or largest award in the game, such as the jackpot award.

Upon re-initiation of the bonus game, the gaming device resumesproviding the player the award associated with any winning symbol orsymbol combination indicated on the reels. It should be appreciated thatthe player may again be transferred to an award mode as discussed above.Any award provided to the player is added to the player's total award ina total award display, and the bonus mode continues until another wildsymbol is generated on a designated reel or payline.

It should be appreciated that the present invention can be achieved withother suitable symbols besides the wild symbol.

Although the present invention is described with respect to a free spinsgame or a bonus game in certain embodiments, it should be appreciatedthat the present invention may be employed as a primary game, or bonusgame or any other suitable type of game in a wagering gaming device.Additionally, although the present invention is described with respectto a reel type game, it should be appreciated that the present inventionmay be employed in any suitable non-reel type games such as a videopoker game.

It should thus be appreciated that in one embodiment, the presentinvention provides a gaming device including a primary game operableupon a wager by a player, and a triggering event associated with theprimary game. After the triggering event occurs, a generation of one ormore symbols occurs without an additional wager by the player. Theplayer is provided any award associated with any of the generatedsymbols from the generation. This generation and award process isrepeated until a designated symbol or symbol combination occurs. In oneembodiment, there is a limit to the number of generations. Otherembodiments do not include a pre-set limit. After the designated symbolor symbol combination occurs, a subsequent event occurs. The result ofthe subsequent event is either a non-terminating result or a terminatingresult. In one embodiment, the terminating result (such as the failureto generate a designated number of symbols such as designated or wildsymbols) and the non-terminating result (such as the generation of adesignated number of designated or wild symbols). If the non-terminatingresult occurs, the generation and award process begins again. If theterminating result occurs, the generation and award process does notbegin again and the game ends.

In one further embodiment, the gaming device includes a game operableupon a wager by a player, a plurality of reels in the game, a pluralityof symbols on the reels, and a triggering event associated with thegeneration of one or more designated symbols on the reels. After thetriggering event occurs, a generation of a plurality of the symbolsoccurs on the reels without an additional wager by the player. Theplayer is provided any award associated with any winning combinations ofgenerated symbols on the reels from the generation. The generation andaward steps are repeated until a designated symbol or symbol combinationoccurs on the reels. If the designated symbol or symbol combinationoccurs, a subsequent event occurs, wherein the result of that event iseither a terminating result or a non-terminating result are based on thenumber of designated symbols generated in said event. If thenon-terminating result occurs, the generation and award process beginsagain. If the terminating result occurs, the generation and awardprocess does not begin again.

In a further embodiment, the gaming device includes a game operable upona wager by a player, a plurality of reels in the game, and a pluralityof symbols on the reels which include at least two designated symbols.One of the designated symbols is on each of two different reels. Atriggering event is associated with the generation of one or moredesignated symbols on the reels. After the triggering event, ageneration of a plurality of the symbols on the reels occurs without anadditional wager by the player. The player is provided any awardassociated with any winning combinations of generated symbols on thereels from the generation. This generation and award process continuesuntil one of the designated symbols is generated on one of the reels inthe generation. If one of the designated symbols is generated on one ofthe reels in the generation, the position of the reel with thedesignated symbol is locked for a designated number of furthergenerations of symbols on a designated number of other reels. If anon-terminating event occurs such as a designated number of otherdesignated symbols being generated on the reels in the designated numberof further generations, the reel are unlocked and the above generationand award process begins. If a terminating result occurs such asdesignated number of other wild symbols are not generated on the reelsin the designated number of further generations, no further generationsof the reels occurs until another wager is made in the game. It shouldbe appreciated that one embodiment includes providing the player anyaward associated with any winning combinations of generated symbols onthe reels from each further generation. In one embodiment, if one ofsaid designated symbols is generated on one of said reels in one of thefurther generations, that reel is locked, and the designated number offurther generations of symbols occurs on a plurality of the reels withdesignated symbols. In one embodiment, each reel that generates one ofthe designated symbols is locked for the subsequent further generationsof symbols until the designated number of other designated symbols aregenerated on the reels or the designated number of other designatedsymbols are not generated on the reels in the designated number offurther generations.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the gaming deviceincludes a primary game operable upon a wager. The primary game includesa plurality of reels and a plurality of symbols on the reels. In oneembodiment, the symbols include at least one triggering symbol ortriggering symbol combination. In another embodiment, the symbols alsoinclude at least one wild symbol. In one embodiment, the gaming deviceincludes a free spin mode that is initiated when a triggering symbol ortriggering symbol combination occurs on at least one of the reels in theprimary game.

In this embodiment, when the free spin mode is initiated, the gamingdevice provides a player with an unlimited number of free spins withoutany additional wagers. In each free spin, the reels or symbol generatorsare activated and generate a plurality of symbols. The generated symbolsare evaluated based on a paytable associated with the game. The gamingdevice provides an award to the player if any winning symbol combinationoccurs on the reels. The symbols also include at least one lockingsymbol and at least one coacting-terminating symbol. In one embodiment,unless the locking symbol and the terminating symbol both occur on thereels, they have no function. It should be appreciated that in otherembodiments, the locking symbol and terminating symbol may have certaindesignated functions, even if they appear separately. In one embodiment,the free spin mode includes a free spin mode terminating event orlimiting event. The free spin mode terminating event or limiting eventis fulfilled upon the occurrence of at least one locking symbol and atleast one terminating symbol generated on any of the reels. After theterminating event, the gaming device provides the player with a numberof additional free spins or limits the further number of free spins. Anyreels containing a locking symbol are held stationary for the number ofadditional free spins or free spins remaining. In this embodiment, thelocking symbol can function as an expanding wild symbol on the reel. Forexample, on the stationary reels, at least one non-locking symbol may bechanged into a locking symbol. In one embodiment, all of the lockingsymbols are wild for each of the number of additional free spins. In oneembodiment, the free spin mode includes a free spin mode re-initiationevent which occurs when at least one terminating symbol appears on anyof the reels during any of the additional free spins.

It should thus be appreciated that in one embodiment, the gaming deviceincludes a primary game controlled by a processor and operable upon awager by a player, includes a plurality of reels, and a plurality ofsymbols on the reels including at least one triggering symbol ortriggering symbol combination. The gaming device also includes a freespin mode that is initiated if the triggering symbol or triggeringsymbol combination occurs on at least one of the reels in the game. Thefree spin mode includes an unlimited number of free spins without anadditional wager by the player. An award is provided to the player whenany winning symbol combination occurs on the reels. The symbols includeat least one locking symbol and at least one terminating symbol. Thefree spins mode includes a free spin mode terminating event, which istriggered upon the occurrence of at least one locking symbol and atleast one terminating symbol on the reels. After the free spin modeterminating event, one, a plurality or all of the reels which generatedthe locking symbol are held stationary, one, a plurality or all of thelocking symbols are designated wild, and the player is provided with atleast one additional free spin.

In one alternative embodiment, the free spins mode includes a free spinmode re-initiation event. The re-initiation event can occur after theterminating event and includes the re-occurrence of at least oneterminating symbol during any of the additional free spins. After there-initiation event has occurred, the gaming device re-initiates theunlimited free spin mode.

It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide agaming device that provides an increase probability of obtaining awardsin a game.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a gaming devicethat increases the probability of obtaining a relatively large award ina game.

It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a gamingdevice that increases the probability of obtaining the jackpot award ina game.

It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a gamingdevice that increases the probability of extending the bonus game in agame.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to likeparts, elements, components, steps and processes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the gamingdevice of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the gamingdevice of the present invention.

FIG. 1C is a enlarged elevation view of a set of reels and the reel stoppositions included on the reels in a three reel slot game.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the electronic configuration ofone embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged elevation view of one of the display devices ofFIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is an award table illustrating the symbol combinations and theawards associated with the symbols combinations of the embodiment ofFIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is probability table illustrating the probability of each of thesymbols being indicated on each of the reels in a primary game.

FIG. 4B is probability table illustrating the probability of each of thesymbols being indicated on each of the reels in an award mode.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E and 5F are enlarged front elevation views of anexample of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 illustrating a primary gameand an award mode initiated by the occurrence of a triggering event inthe primary game.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged elevation view of one of the display devices ofFIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged elevation view of one of the display devices ofFIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating a further embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of one of the embodiments of the present inventionwhere a free spin mode is re-initiated.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 9G and 9H are enlarged front elevationviews of one of the display devices of FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating anexample of one of the embodiments of the present invention where thefree spin mode is re-initiated.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are enlarged front elevation views of one of thedisplay devices of FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating an example of one of theembodiments of the present invention where a locking symbol occurs onmore than one reel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Gaming Device and Electronics

Referring now to the drawings, two embodiments of the gaming device ofthe present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B as gamingdevice 10 a and gaming device 10 b, respectively. Gaming device 10 aand/or gaming device 10 b are generally referred to herein as gamingdevice 10. Gaming device 10 in one embodiment has the controls, displaysand features of a conventional slot machine. It is constructed so that aplayer can operate it while standing or sitting, and gaming device 10 ispreferably mounted in a cabinet. However, it should be appreciated thatgaming device 10 can be constructed as a pub-style table-top game (notshown) which a player can operate preferably while sitting. Furthermore,gaming device 10 can be constructed with varying cabinet and displaydesigns, as illustrated by the designs shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Gamingdevice 10 can also be implemented as a program code stored in adetachable cartridge for operating a hand-held video game device. Also,gaming device 10 can be implemented as a program code stored on a diskor other memory device, which a player can use in a desktop or laptoppersonal computer or other computerized platform.

Gaming device 10 can incorporate any primary game such as slot, poker,blackjack or keno, and any of the bonus triggering events and bonusgames associated with these primary games. The symbols and indicia usedon and in gaming device 10 may be in mechanical, electrical, electronicor video form.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, gaming device 10 includes a coin slot12 and bill acceptor 14 where the player inserts money, coins or tokens.The player can place coins in the coin slot 12 or paper money or ticketvouchers in the bill acceptor 14. Other devices could be used foraccepting payment such as readers or validators for credit cards ordebit cards. When a player inserts money in gaming device 10, a numberof credits corresponding to the amount deposited is shown in a creditdisplay 16. After depositing the appropriate amount of money, a playercan begin the game by pulling arm 18 or pushing play button 20. Playbutton 20 can be any play activator used by the player, which starts anygame or sequence of events in the gaming device.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, gaming device 10 also includes a betdisplay 22 and a bet one button 24. The player places a bet by pushingthe bet one button 24. The player can increase the bet by one crediteach time the player pushes the bet one button 24. When the playerpushes the bet one button 24, the number of credits shown in the creditdisplay 16 decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the betdisplay 22 increases by one. Other bet or wager indicators such as a betmax button may also be employed in the gaming device of presentinvention.

A player may cash out and thereby receive a number of coinscorresponding to the number of remaining credits by pushing a cash outbutton 26. When the player cashes out, the player receives the coins ina coin payout tray 28. The gaming device 10 may employ other payoutmechanisms such as credit slips redeemable by a cashier orelectronically recordable cards which keep track of the player'scredits.

Gaming device 10 also includes one or more display devices. Theembodiment shown in FIG. 1A includes a central display device 30, anupper display device 32, and the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1Bincludes a central display device 30 as well as an upper display device32. Gaming device 10 in one embodiment displays a plurality of reels 34such as three to five reels 34 in mechanical or video form at one ormore of the display devices. A display device can be any viewing surfacesuch as glass, a video monitor or screen, a liquid crystal display orany other display mechanism. If the reels 34 are in video form, thedisplay device for the video reels 34 is preferably a video monitor.Each reel 34 displays a plurality of indicia such as bells, hearts,fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images which preferablycorrespond to a theme associated with the gaming device 10. Furthermore,gaming device 10 preferably includes speakers 36 for producing soundssuch as music.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the general electronic configuration of gamingdevice 10 preferably includes: a processor 38; a memory device 40 forstoring program code or other data; a central display device 30; anupper display device 32; a sound card 42; a plurality of speakers 36;and one or more input devices 44. The processor 38 is preferably amicroprocessor or microcontroller-based platform which is capable ofdisplaying images, symbols and other indicia such as images of people,characters, places, things and faces of cards. One or more secondaryprocessors may also be employed in conjunction with the primaryprocessor to control certain aspects of the game function. The memorydevice 40 can include random access memory (RAM) 46 for storing eventdata or other data generated or used during a particular game. Thememory device 40 can also include read only memory (ROM) 48 for storingprogram code which controls the gaming device 10 so that it plays aparticular game in accordance with applicable game rules and pay tables.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the player preferably uses the input devices44, such as pull arm 18, play button 20, the bet one button 24 and thecash out button 26 to input signals into gaming device 10. In certaininstances it is preferable to use a touch screen 50 and an associatedtouch screen controller 52 instead of a conventional video monitordisplay device. Touch screen 50 and touch screen controller 52 areconnected to a video controller 54 and processor 38. A player can makedecisions and input signals into the gaming device 10 by touching touchscreen 50 at the appropriate places. As further illustrated in FIG. 2,the processor 38 can be connected to coin slot 12 or bill acceptor 14.The processor 38 can be programmed to require a player to deposit acertain amount of money in order to start the game.

It should be appreciated that although a processor 38 and memory device40 are preferable implementations of the present invention, the presentinvention can also be implemented using one or more application-specificintegrated circuits (ASIC's) or other hard-wired devices, or usingmechanical devices (collectively or alternatively referred to herein asa “processor”). Furthermore, although the processor 38 and memory device40 preferably reside on each gaming device 10 unit, it is possible toprovide some or all of their functions at a central location such as anetwork server for communication to a playing station such as over adata network such as a local area network (LAN), wide area network(WAN), Internet connection, microwave link, and the like. The processor38 and memory device 40 are generally referred to herein as the“computer” or “controller.”

With reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, to operate the gaming device 10,in one embodiment the player must insert the appropriate amount of moneyor tokens at coin slot 12 or bill acceptor 14 and then pull the arm 18or push the play button 20. The reels 34 will then begin to spin.Eventually, the reels 34 will come to a stop. As long as the player hascredits remaining, the player can spin the reels 34 again. Dependingupon where the reels 34 stop, the player may or may not win additionalcredits.

In addition to winning credits in this manner, in one embodiment gamingdevice 10 also gives players the opportunity to win credits in a bonusround. This type of gaming device 10 will include a program which willautomatically begins a bonus round when the player has achieved aqualifying condition in the game. This qualifying condition can be aparticular arrangement of indicia on a display device. The gaming device10 may use mechanical devices or a video-based central display device 30to enable the player to play the bonus round. In one embodiment, thequalifying condition is a predetermined combination of indicia appearingon a plurality of reels 34. As illustrated in the five reel slot gameshown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the qualifying condition could be the numberseven appearing on three adjacent reels 34 along a payline 56. It shouldbe appreciated that the present invention can include one or morepaylines, such as payline 56, wherein the paylines can be horizontal,diagonal or any combination thereof.

Probability Enhancing Trigger Symbol

Referring to FIGS. 1C, 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B, one embodiment of the reels ofthe present invention is illustrated where three reels are employed in agame. It should be appreciated that any suitable number of reels may beemployed in the primary game. In this embodiment, each of the reels 34a, 34 b and 34 c includes symbols 100, which are represented by lettersA, B, C, D, E, F, G and H, non-award or null symbols or blanks 104, atleast one trigger symbol 102 and at least one wild symbol 105. It shouldbe appreciated that any suitable number and types of symbols may beemployed in a game according to the present invention. Each symbol ispositioned at a reel stop position or reel stop on each of the reels.Therefore, one of the symbols such as one of the award symbols, one ofthe null symbols, the trigger symbol or the wild symbol will beindicated on a payline in the game.

Referring to FIG. 3A, in one embodiment the gaming device displays aplurality of reels and specifically three reels 34 a, 34 b and 34 c. Thereels include a plurality of symbols such as the letters A, B, C, D, E,F, G and H. The reels also include at least one trigger symbol, such asa diamond symbol 102. It should be appreciated that one or more of thereels may include at least on trigger symbol. Additionally, each of thereels includes at least one wild symbol 105 and at least one null symbolor blank 104. A probability of being indicated is associated with eachof the symbols on the reels. In the primary game, the probability ofeach of the symbols being indicated on one of the reels is one in twenty( 1/20) or 5.0% as shown in the probability table illustrated in FIG.4A. If a triggering event occurs in the primary game, an award mode isinitiated. In the award mode, the primary game is effectively reduced toa one-reel game. In addition, the null symbols 104 or blanks, and thetrigger symbol, each re-spin or re-activate the reels. Thus, theeffective number of symbols on the reels is reduced from twenty symbolsto nine symbols, which further increases the probability that one of thesymbols will be indicated on the reels. Several paylines, such aspaylines 56 a, 56 b and 56 c are associated with the reels. It should beappreciated that one or more paylines may be associated with the reels.A spins remaining display 106 indicates the number of spins remaining inthe game. A total award display indicates the total value of the awardsaccumulated by the player in the game.

The gaming device provides the player with a number of spins in thegame. The number of spins may be randomly determined, predetermined ordetermined in any suitable manner. The player uses the spins to activateor spin the reels 34 a, 34 b and 34 c. The gaming device provides anaward associated with one or more winning symbol combinations indicatedon one of the paylines 56 a, 56 b or 56 c associated with the reels. Theplayer continues to spin the reels until the player has no spinsremaining as indicated by the spins remaining display 106.

The trigger symbol or diamond symbol 102 increases the probability thatthe player will obtain one of the awards in the game and specificallyincreases the probability that the player will obtain the largest awardsuch as the jackpot award in the game. The game preferably includes onlyone trigger symbol, designated as a diamond symbol 102, on one of thereels 34 in the game. In one embodiment, the middle reel 34 b, includesthe trigger symbol or diamond symbol 102. If the diamond symbol 102 isindicated on one of the paylines 56 a, 56 b or 56 c, the gaming deviceinitiates an award mode. In the award mode, the gaming device freezes orholds the reel 34 b including the trigger symbol 102 stationary whilethe gaming device activates or spins the remaining reels or outsidereels 34 a and 34 c, which are adjacent to the middle reel 34 b. Thegaming device activates or spins these reels until a wild symbol 105 isindicated on the same payline as the trigger symbol or diamond symbol102.

Once the wild symbols 105 are indicated on reels 34 a and 34 c and onthe same payline as the trigger symbol 102, the gaming device holds orkeeps these reels stationary. The symbols on payline 56 b are wildsymbol 105 a on reel 34 a, trigger symbol or diamond symbol 102 on reel34 b and wild symbol 105 b on reel 34 c. The gaming device now re-spinsor re-activates reel 34 b until an award symbol 100 such as one of theletters is indicated on payline 56 b. Any award symbol 100 indicated onthat payline will provide a symbol combination having three identicalsymbols matching the award symbol 100 indicated on that payline. Thisoccurs because two of the symbols on that payline are the wild symbols105 a and 105 b as illustrated in FIG. 5C. Because only the middle reel34 b is re-activated or re-spun during the game to determine the award,the game is reduced to a one reel or single reel game. The player nowonly needs to obtain one award symbol to win an award in the award mode.More specifically, the player only has to spin one reel 34 b to obtainthe largest award such as the jackpot award in the game. Thus, becausethe award mode reduced the game to a one reel or single reel game, theprobability of obtaining any of the awards, and specifically the largestaward in the game, increases significantly.

In the award mode, when the middle reel 34 b is re-activated and thetrigger symbol or diamond symbol 102 is indicated on payline 56 b, thegaming device re-spins or re-activates reel 34 b. Thus in oneembodiment, the trigger symbol or diamond symbol does not provide anaward to the player in the game. In another embodiment, an award isassociated with the trigger symbol and is provided to the player if thetrigger symbol is indicated on the reel after the reel is re-activatedin the award mode.

Similarly, if a non-award or null symbol (i.e., blank) 104 is indicatedon payline 56 b on reel 34 b, the gaming device re-spins or re-activatesreel 34 b. Thus, a null symbol does not provide an award to the player;rather, the reels are re-spun to give the player another opportunity toobtain one of the awards in the game. Once an award symbol 100 isindicated on the designated payline on reel 34 b, the gaming deviceprovides an award associated with the award combination including thosesymbols. If the award symbol happens to be the jackpot symbol, theplayer obtains three of the jackpot symbols and therefore, the jackpotaward in the game. The award received by the player in the game istransferred to the total award display 108 and provided to the playerwhen the game ends. In one embodiment, the game ends when the playerobtains an award in the game. In another embodiment, the game ends whenthe player runs out of spins as indicated by the spins remaining display106.

In a further embodiment, the gaming device includes a modifier such as amultiplier which changes such as by increasing when the null symboloccurs on the reel. The modifier such as the multiplier is employed inone embodiment to increase the award determined by the generated symbolon the reel.

By effectively reducing the game to a single reel or one reel game, thepresent invention significantly increases the probability of obtainingan award in the game without changing the random probability ofoccurrence. In particular, the present invention increases theprobability or the likelihood that the player will obtain the largestaward such as the jackpot award in the game. For example, in a typicalreel-type game, a player must obtain one of a plurality of designatedsymbol combinations on one or more of the paylines associated with a setof reels to obtain an award in the game. The gaming device or playerspins the reels and the reels randomly indicate symbols on one or moreof the paylines associated with the reels. If a winning symbolcombination is indicated on one of the designated winning paylines inthe game, the gaming device provides an award associated with thatwinning symbol combination. The probability of obtaining a particularsymbol combination, however, is based on the number of reels in a gameand the number of symbols included on those reels. Thus, the more reelsand symbols in a game, the less likely or less probable it is that theplayer will obtain one of the winning symbol combinations in that game.

For example, a particular game of the gaming device may include threereels, such as reels 34 a, 34 b and 34 c in FIG. 3A. In this example,each of the reels includes twenty reel positions, which include nineaward symbols as symbols A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H, one wild symbol,one trigger symbol and ten null symbols. In this example, the symbolsmust occur or be indicated on payline 56 b to provide a winning symbolcombination in the game. Thus, at the beginning of the game each symbolhas a 5% ( 1/20) chance or probability of being indicated on payline 56b on each of the reels as illustrated in FIG. 4A. As a result, theoverall probability that a particular symbol combination will occur onthat payline is ( 1/20)×( 1/20)×( 1/20), which equals ( 1/800) or0.013%. Therefore, in this example, because each symbol has a 5% ( 1/20)chance or probability of being indicated on a single payline on thereels, the overall probability of a particular symbol combinationoccurring on that payline in the primary game (without the award mode)is ( 1/800) or 0.013%.

Referring to FIG. 3B, an example of a payout or award table isillustrated. In this example, a winning symbol combination in theprimary game includes three identical symbols. For instance, the jackpotaward or largest award indicated on the table is the award of tenthousand associated with the symbol combination including three Asymbols (i.e., A, A, A). The award associated with the other winningsymbol combinations are also shown in the table. It should beappreciated that any suitable combination of symbols in a game may bedesignated as a winning symbol combination.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a probability table for a primary game or basegame indicates the probability of each of the symbols being indicated ona payline for each reel in the three reel slot game shown in FIG. 3A.The table also indicates the probability of being indicated on a paylineassociated with each of the winning symbol combinations shown in FIG. 3Bfor each of the symbols on the reels and the probability of three nullsymbols or blanks being indicated on the payline. As illustrated in thetable, the probability of each of the award symbols (i.e., A, B, C, D,E, F, G and H) being indicated on any one of the reels is ( 1/20). Theprobability of a winning symbol combination including one of the awardsymbols, the trigger symbol or the wild symbol, being indicated on thedesignated payline is ( 1/800) (i.e., ( 1/20)×( 1/20)×( 1/20)). Theprobability of three null symbols or blanks being indicated on thepayline is (( 10/20)×( 10/20)×( 10/20)) or (⅛). Therefore, a player hasa one in eight thousand chance in the primary game to obtain one of thewinning symbol combinations, and specifically of obtaining the jackpotaward in the game.

In the award mode of the present invention, the number of reels iseffectively reduced to one reel or one active reel such as reel 34 b. Asa result, the probability of obtaining a particular symbol or aparticular symbol combination increases significantly. Referring to FIG.4B, a probability table illustrates the probabilities of each of thesymbols being indicated on the reel in the award mode. Additionally, thetable illustrates the probability of a winning symbol combination, whichin the award mode is one award symbol, being indicated on the payline inthe award mode. Because the trigger symbol and the null symbols causethe reel to re-spin in the award mode, the number of effective awardsymbols in the award mode is reduced to nine. Therefore, the probabilityof each of the award symbols or the wild symbol being indicated on thepayline in the game (through the award mode) is ( 1/180), which is theprobability of the trigger symbol being indicated on the payline in theprimary game ( 1/20) multiplied by the probability of any one of theaward symbols or the wild symbol being indicated on the payline in theaward mode, which is ( 1/9). The probability of one of the award symbolsor the wild symbol being indicated in the game (through the award mode)is therefore, ( 1/20)×( 1/9) or ( 1/180) as shown in FIG. 4B.Accordingly, the overall probability of obtaining a specific symbolcombination is (0.013% ( 1/800)+0.56% ( 1/180) which equal 0.573%.

Referring to FIG. 3A, in one example of the award mode of the presentinvention, if a trigger symbol or diamond symbol 102 is indicated onpayline 56 b in a primary game, an award mode is initiated and theoutside reels 34 a and 34 c are re-activated or re-spun until wildsymbols are indicated on payline 56 b. Then, the reels 34 a and 34 c areheld stationary while the middle reel 34 b is re-activated or re-spununtil an award symbol is indicated on payline 56 b. The probability orlikelihood of obtaining a particular symbol combination on the reels hasnow increased because the player only has to obtain one award symbol onreel 34 b in order to obtain an award in the game.

In this example, the middle reel 34 b includes twenty reel positionsincluding eight award symbols, one wild symbol, a trigger symbol ordiamond symbol 102, and ten null symbols 104 as shown in FIGS. 1C and3A. Therefore, the player initially has a one in twenty chance ofobtaining the trigger symbol or diamond symbol 102 on reel 34 b in theprimary game as described above. In the award mode, if the playerobtains the trigger symbol 102 or one of the null symbols 104 on payline56 b after the reel 34 b is re-activated, the gaming device re-spins orre-activates reel 34 b again until an award symbol 100 is indicated onpayline 56 b. Because the trigger symbol 102 and the null symbols 104re-spin or re-activate the reels in the award mode, the actual number ofsymbols that provide an award and end the bonus mode are nine (i.e., theeight award symbols and the wild symbol). Therefore, the player has aone in nine chance of obtaining an award symbol 100 in the award modeand thereby a 11.1% chance of obtaining a winning symbol combination onpayline 56 b. As a result, the overall probability of obtaining awinning symbol combination on the reels in the award mode is determinedby taking the probability of obtaining the trigger symbol or diamondsymbol 102 on reel 34 b in the initial or primary game, which is 1 in 20( 1/20), multiplied by the probability or the likelihood of one of theaward symbols being indicated on payline 56 b, which is 1 in 9 ( 1/9).The overall probability therefore equals ( 1/180) or 0.56% for obtainingany one of the winning symbol combinations on the reels in the game(through the award mode) as shown in FIG. 4B. Thus, the probability ofobtaining a winning symbol combination on the reels in the primary gameis 1 in 8000 or 0.013% and this probability increases to 1 in 180 or0.56% in the award mode. This significantly increases a player'sopportunities or chances of obtaining one of the awards in the game andspecifically a relatively large award such as the jackpot award. Thisincreases a player's excitement and enjoyment of the game.

Referring to FIGS. 5A through 5F, an example of one embodiment of thepresent invention is illustrated where the player obtains a triggersymbol or diamond symbol 102 in the primary game or primary mode. Thisexample includes three reels 34 a, 34 b and 34 c as shown in FIG. 5A,where each reel includes a plurality of award symbols A, B, C, D, E, F,G and H, one trigger symbol designated as diamond symbol 102, one wildsymbol 105 and ten null symbols 104. The player begins the game withfive spins as indicated by the spins remaining display 106 as shown inFIG. 5A. Additionally, the player begins the game with an award of zeroas indicated by the total award display 108. The player uses their firstspin as shown in FIG. 5B to activate or spin the reels. A trigger symbolor diamond symbol 102 is indicated on payline 56 b on reel 34 b. Thetrigger symbol or diamond symbol 102 initiates the bonus mode of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 5C, the gaming device freezes or holds reel 34 bstationary while spinning or re-spinning the outside reels 34 a and 34 cuntil wild symbols 105 a and 105 b, respectively, are indicated onpayline 56 b on those reels. As indicated by the spins remaining display106, the number of spins does not decrease when these reels areactivated or re-activated to indicate the wild symbols. Additionally,the total award display 108 indicates that the player does not obtain anaward for obtaining the trigger symbol (i.e., diamond symbol 102) or thewild symbols 105 a or 105 b. In another embodiment, the gaming deviceprovides an award associated with the trigger symbol and/or the wildsymbols.

Referring to FIG. 5D, the outside reels 34 a and 34 c are stationary orcannot be re-activated, therefore the gaming device or player can onlyre-activate or re-spin reel 34 b. In FIG. 5D the gaming devicere-activates reel 34 b and a null symbol 104 is indicated on payline 56b. The symbol combination of a wild symbol 105 a, a null symbol 104 andwild symbol 105 b on reels 34 a, 34 b and 34 c, respectively, is not awinning symbol combination in the game. Therefore, the player does notreceive an award for this symbol combination. However, the null symbol104 does not end the game, but instead causes the gaming device toautomatically re-spin or re-activate reel 34 b. Thus, the null symbol104 provides the player with another opportunity to obtain an awardsymbol in the game. The number of spins remaining in the award mode doesnot decrease as indicated by the spins remaining display 106 and thetotal award still remains at zero as indicated by the total awarddisplay 108.

Alternatively, as indicated above, the game upon the occurrence of thenull symbol can change such as increment a modifier (such as amultiplier) which is employed to modify and preferably increase theaward to the player.

Referring to FIG. 5E, the gaming device or player re-activates reel 34 bin the game. The trigger symbol or diamond symbol 102 is indicated onpayline 56 b on reel 34 b. The resultant symbol combination is the wildsymbol 105 a, the trigger symbol 102 and the wild symbol 105 b, on reels34 a, 34 b and 34 c, respectively, which is not a winning symbolcombination. Similar to the null symbol 104 shown in FIG. 5D, thetrigger symbol or diamond symbol 102 causes the gaming device tore-activate or re-spin reel 34 b. Therefore, the player has anotheropportunity to obtain an award symbol in the game. The number of spinsremaining in the bonus mode and the total award did not change in thegame as indicated by the spins remaining display 106 and the total awarddisplay 108.

Referring to FIG. 5F, the gaming device or player re-spins andre-activates reel 34 b in the award mode. After this spin, an awardsymbol designated by the letter A (110) is indicated on payline 56 b onreel 34 b. As a result, a winning symbol combination including wildsymbol 105 a on reel 34 a, award symbol 110 on reel 34 b and wild symbol105 b on reel 34 c is indicated on payline 56 b. This symbol combinationprovides a combination of three A symbols 110 because the wild symbolsact or equal the award symbol 110. In this example, a combinationincluding three A symbols provides the jackpot or largest award of tenthousand to the player as indicated by the total award display 108.Thus, the trigger symbol or diamond symbol 102 increases the probabilityor likelihood that the player will obtain an award and particularly thejackpot award in the game. The player has four spins remaining asindicated by the spins remaining display 106. In one embodiment, theplayer uses the remaining spins to spin the reels four more times in theaward mode. In another embodiment, the game ends when the player obtainsan award in the game.

Referring to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the present invention isillustrated where the symbols on the middle or central reel 34 b includeawards, such as the values of twenty, one hundred and five. In the awardmode of this embodiment, the player re-spins or re-activates reel 34 buntil one of the award values are indicated on payline 56 b. Instead ofobtaining a winning symbol combination in the game, the player obtainsthree times the value of the indicated award or value on payline 56 b.For example, in FIG. 6, the award of one hundred is indicated on payline56 b in the award mode. Therefore, the combination of the award of onehundred with the wild symbols 205 a and 205 b provide an award of threehundred because the wild symbols match the award value indicated onpayline 56 b on reel 34 b. Thus, the player obtains an award of threehundred as indicated by the total award display 108 in the award mode.It should be appreciated that any symbols, values or any combination ofsymbols or values may be employed on the reels in the award mode of thegame of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, a further embodiment of the present invention isillustrated where the middle or center reel 34 b includes a wild symbol105 b. In this embodiment, the player re-spins reel 34 b after obtainingthe trigger symbol or diamond symbol 102 as described above. If theplayer obtains the wild symbol on payline 56 b on reel 34 b, the playerobtains a symbol combination including three wild symbols 105 a, 105 band 105 c. Thus, the player obtains the largest award or the highest ormost desirable symbol combination associated with the game such as thejackpot symbol combination because the player obtained three wildsymbols on payline 56 b. Thus, the wild symbol 105 b increases theprobability that the player will obtain the largest award such as thejackpot award in the game. In another embodiment, an award or awardvalue is associated with the symbol combination including the wildsymbol as shown in FIG. 3B.

In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, the number ofspins of the reel can be limited such as to a predetermined number, arandomly determined number, or a number based on another functional gameelement such as the player's wager.

Free-Spin Re-initiation Mode

In another embodiment of the present invention, the gaming deviceincludes a primary game operable upon a wager. As discussed above, theprimary game includes a plurality of symbols, and may include aplurality of reels or any other suitable presentation device such asvideo poker. In one embodiment, the symbols include a plurality of awardsymbols and at least one triggering symbol or triggering symbolcombination. The triggering symbol or symbol combination enables aplayer to enter a free spin mode where the player will have additionalopportunities to win awards without having to make any additionalwagers. In an alternative embodiment, the symbols also include aplurality of wild symbols.

Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the gaming device initiates thefree spin mode, as indicated by block 200. The gaming device providesthe player with an unlimited number of free activations or spins tore-activate the reels and obtain awards if there are any winningcombinations of award symbols. The gaming device activates or spins thereels and generates a plurality of symbols as indicated by block 202.The gaming device determines if there are any winning combinations ofsymbols and provides any awards to the player based on the generatedsymbols as indicated by block 204. The plurality of symbols include atleast one locking symbol and at least one terminating symbol. Aterminating condition or the condition for limiting the unlimited freespins is fulfilled if both the locking symbol and the terminating symboloccur on the reels or are generated by a spin of the reels.

In an alternate embodiment, the locking symbol and the terminatingsymbol must occur on different reels. In a further embodiment, thelocking symbol must occur on at least one of a first group of reels suchas the first three reels and the terminating symbol must occur on atleast one of a second group of reels such as the last two reels. Inanother embodiment, the locking symbol and the terminating symbol mustoccur on the same payline.

The free activation or free spin mode continues until the terminatingcondition occurs as indicated by decision diamond 206. When theterminating condition is fulfilled as indicated by decision diamond 206,the gaming device provides the player with a number of additional freespins as indicated by block 208. It should be appreciated that thenumber of additional free spins may be randomly determined, based on thewager in the base game, based on the number of paylines activated,predetermined, based on the result in the base game, or by any othersuitable method. The gaming device then locks or holds stationary atleast one, a plurality of or all of the reels with a locking symboloccurring on any payline as indicated by block 210. These reels will beheld stationary or locked for the additional free spins or activations.In one embodiment, the locking symbol can function as an expanding wildsymbol on the reel. The gaming device changes all symbols on thestationary reel to locking symbols as indicated by block 212. In analternative embodiment, the gaming device changes at least one symbol onthe stationary reel to a locking symbol. In a further embodiment, thegaming device changes a plurality of symbols on the stationary reel tolocking symbols. The gaming device designates all locking symbols aswild as indicated by block 214. This means that for the additional freespins, the locking symbols may be used interchangeably with any othersymbols on a payline. The gaming device spins or activates at least oneunlocked reel and thus generates a plurality of symbols for evaluationas indicated by block 216. The gaming device determines if there are anywinning combinations of symbols including the wild locking symbols andprovides any awards to the player based on the generated symbols asindicated by block 218.

In one embodiment, if the terminating symbol does not reappear asindicated by decision diamond 220, the gaming device determines if thereare any additional free spins remaining as indicated by decision diamond222. If there are additional spins remaining, the gaming device spins oractivates the reels to generate a plurality of symbols as indicated byblock 216. In one embodiment, if the terminating symbol reappears on anypayline of any reel during the additional free spins as indicated bydecision diamond 220, all locking symbols are un-designated as wild asindicated by block 226. All reels are unlocked as indicated by block228. The free spin mode with unlimited free spin is re-initiated asindicated by block 200, and the process is repeated.

Referring now to FIG. 9A, in an example of the above embodiment, in thefree spin mode, the gaming device includes or displays a plurality ofreels 232 a, 232 b, 232 c, 232 d and 232 e. In the illustratedembodiment, three paylines 230 a, 230 b and 230 c are associated withthe reels. The reels include a plurality of symbols. The symbols in thisexample are shapes such as stars, triangles, hearts, moons, anddiamonds. It should be appreciated that the symbols may be shapes,numbers, letters, characters or any suitable images. The symbols alsoinclude at least one locking symbol 240 see (FIG. 9B) and at least oneterminating symbol 238 (FIG. 9A). As stated above, the free spin modetermination condition is fulfilled if both the locking symbol 240 andthe terminating symbol 238 are generated on the reels in an activation.The gaming device provides an award to the player if there is a winningsymbol combination. In this example, four matching symbols, as indicatedon any payline 230 a, 230 b or 230 c, is a winning symbol combination. Aspins remaining display 234 indicates the number of free activations orspins provided to the player for the free activation mode. At theinitiation of the free spin mode, the number of free spins is unlimited,as indicated by the free spins display 234. A total award display 236indicates the total award accumulated by the player in the game. At thestart of the free spin mode, the total award is zero as indicated inFIG. 9A. The gaming device activates or spins the reels in the game anda symbol on each reel is indicated on each payline illustrated in FIG.9A. Specifically, a terminating symbol 238 is indicated on reel 232 eand payline 230 c. In this particular free spin there is no winningcombination of symbols. Also, in this embodiment, the terminating symbol238 does not, by itself, terminate the free spin mode. The terminatingcondition is the occurrence of both the locking symbol 240 and theterminating symbol 238. Although the player has not won an award in thefree spin in FIG. 9A, the additional free spins provide the player withother opportunities to obtain awards associated with winning symbolcombinations. This increases the player's excitement and enjoyment inthe game. The total award in the game is still zero as indicated by thetotal award display 236.

In one embodiment, the respective probabilities of occurrencesassociated with the terminating symbol and the locking symbol are lessthan at least one of the other symbols on the reels. In anotherembodiment, the respective probabilities associated with the terminatingsymbol and the locking symbol are less than the probabilities associatedwith a plurality of the other symbols on the reels. In a furtherembodiment, the respective probabilities associated with the terminatingsymbol and the locking symbol are less than the probabilities associatedwith all of the other symbols on the reels. In another embodiment, theprobability associated with the terminating symbol is less than theprobability associated with the locking symbol. In another embodimentthey have equal or substantially equal probabilities of occurrence. In afurther embodiment, the probability of occurrence associated with thelocking symbol is less than the probability associated with thetermination symbol.

Referring to FIG. 9B, the gaming device activates or spins the reelsusing one of the unlimited free spins provided to the player, asindicated by the spins remaining display 234. The reels stop spinningand five symbols are indicated on payline 230 a. The indicated symbolsare four star symbols 242 a, 242 b, 242 c and 242 d, and a heart symbol244. Thus, a symbol combination including four matching symbols,specifically four star symbols, is indicated on payline 230 a. This is awinning symbol combination in this example. Therefore, the gaming deviceprovides an award associated with the winning symbol combination (i.e.,four star symbols), which in this example is an award of fifty. Theaward of fifty is added to the player's total award and the player nowhas a total award of fifty as indicated by the total award display 236.It should be appreciated that any award may be provided to the playerand the award may be predetermined, randomly determined, based on awager made by the player in the primary game that triggered the freespin mode, or determined by any other suitable method. Also, in thisexample, the locking symbol 240 does not, by itself, terminate the freespin mode. The terminating condition is the occurrence of both thelocking symbol 240 and the terminating symbol 238. Therefore, theterminating condition has not occurred.

Referring now to FIG. 9C, the gaming device activates or spins the reelsusing one of the unlimited number of free spins provided to the playeras indicated in the spins remaining display. The reels stop spinning anda locking symbol 240 is indicated on payline 230 b and a terminatingsymbol 238 is indicated on payline 230 a. Also, in this particular freespin there are no winning symbol combinations. Thus, a symbolcombination that includes a locking symbol 240 and a terminating symbol238 has been achieved, and the free spin mode termination condition hasbeen fulfilled. The gaming device awards the player three additionalfree spins as indicated by the spins remaining display 234. It should beappreciated that any suitable number of free spins may be awarded andmay be predetermined, randomly determined, determined based on a wagermade by the player in the primary game that triggered the free spinmode, or determined by any other suitable method. The total award in thegame is still fifty as indicated in the total award display 108. In analternative embodiment, upon the occurrence of the terminatingcondition, a multiplier is provided to the player and applied to one, aplurality, or all awards in the free spin mode. In further embodiments,the multiplier may be predetermined, randomly determined, based on awager by the player in the primary game that triggered the free spinmode, or determined by any other suitable method. The total award in thegame is still fifty as indicated in the total award display 108.

Referring now to FIG. 9D, the gaming device locks reel 232 a includingthe locking symbol 240. In this example, the locking symbol 240 boccurred on reel 232 a and payline 230 b. Also, in this embodiment, allof the other symbols on the reel 232 a including the locking symbol 240b are changed into locking symbols 240 a and 240 c. Finally, all lockingsymbols 240 a, 240 b and 240 c are designated as wild. Each lockingsymbol 240 a, 240 b and 240 c functions as or substitutes for one of thesymbols on the respective payline. Locking the reels and designating thelocking symbols as wild increases the probability that on one of theremaining free spins the player will achieve a winning combination. Thisincreases the player's excitement and enjoyment in the game. The spinsremaining are three as indicated by the spins remaining display 234. Thetotal award in the game is still fifty as indicated by the total awarddisplay 236.

Referring now to FIG. 9E, the gaming device activates or spins the reels232 b, 232 c, 232 d and 232 e, using one of the additional three freespins provided to the player and the number of spins remaining decreasesto two as indicated by the spins remaining display 234. The reels stopspinning and no winning symbol combinations have occurred. The totalaward in the game is still fifty as indicated in the total award display236.

Referring now to FIG. 9F, the gaming device activates or spins the reels232 b, 232 c, 232 d and 232 e, using one of the additional free spinsprovided to the player and the number of free spins decreases to one asindicated in the spins remaining display 234. The reels stop spinningand five symbols are indicated on payline 230 a. The indicated symbolsare a locking symbol 240 a, three triangle symbols 246 a, 246 b and 246c, and a moon symbol 248. The locking symbol 240 a, as a designated wildsymbol, functions as or substitutes for one of the symbols indicated onthe payline. Because there are three triangle symbols 246 a, 246 b and246 c on the payline, the locking symbol 240 a functions as orsubstitutes for a triangle symbol on the payline 230 a. Thus, a symbolcombination including four matching symbols, specifically four trianglesymbols, is indicated on payline 230 a. This is a winning symbolcombination in the game. Therefore, the gaming device provides an awardassociated with the winning symbol combination (i.e., four trianglesymbols), which in this example is an award of fifty. The award of fiftyis added to the player's total award and the player now has a totalaward of one-hundred as indicated by the total award display 236.

Referring now to FIG. 9G, the gaming device activates or spins the reelsusing one of the additional free spins provided to the player. The reelsstop spinning and a terminating symbol 238 is indicated on payline 230a. Locking symbols 240 a, 240 b and 240 c are also present on paylines230 a, 230 b and 230 c respectively. Also, in this particular free spinthere are no winning symbol combinations. Thus, a symbol combinationthat includes a locking symbol 240 and a terminating symbol 238 has beenachieved, and the free spin mode re-initiation condition has beenfulfilled. In an alternate embodiment, some symbol other than aterminating symbol 240, could fulfill the free spin mode re-initiationcondition. The gaming device unlocks all reels and un-designates thelocking symbol as wild. Then, the gaming device re-initiates theunlimited free spin mode, and provides the player with an unlimitednumber of free spins as indicated by the spins remaining display 234.This allows the player to stay in the free spin mode longer and possiblyearn more awards. This increases the player's excitement and enjoymentin the game. The total award in the game is still one-hundred asindicated in the total award display 236.

Referring now to FIG. 9H, the gaming device activates or spins the reelsusing one of the unlimited free spins provided to the player in thegame, as indicated in the spins remaining display 234. The reels stopspinning and five symbols are indicated on payline 230 b. The indicatedsymbols are four star symbols 242 a-242 d and a terminating symbol 238.Thus, a symbol combination including four matching symbols, specificallyfour star symbols, is indicated on payline 230 b. This is a winningsymbol combination in the game. Therefore, the gaming device provides anaward associated with the winning symbol combination (i.e., four starsymbols), which in this example is an award of fifty. The award of fiftyis added to the player's total award and the player now has a totalaward of one-hundred fifty as indicated by the total award display 236.It should be appreciated that any award may be provided to the playerand the award may be predetermined, randomly determined, based on awager made by the player, or determined by any other suitable method.Also, in this embodiment, the terminating symbol 238 does not, byitself, terminate the free spin mode. The terminating condition is theoccurrence of both the locking symbol 240 and the terminating symbol238. Therefore, the terminating condition has not occurred.

In an alternative embodiment, generally illustrated in FIG. 10A, afterthe terminating condition has been fulfilled and the gaming deviceprovides the player with a number of additional free spins as indicatedby the spins remaining display 234, the gaming device locks all reels232 a containing a locking symbol 240. In this example a locking symbol240 b occurred on reel 232 a and payline 230 b. Also, in thisembodiment, the locking symbol can function as an expanding wild symbolon the reel. All other symbols on the reel 232 a containing the lockingsymbol 240 b have been changed into locking symbols 240 a and 240 c, andall of the locking symbols 240 a, 240 b and 240 c are designated aswild. The locking symbols function as or substitute for one of thesymbols on the payline. Locking the reels, designating the lockingsymbols as wild, and changing all of the symbols on a reel to a lockingsymbol, increases the probability that on one of the remaining freespins, the player will achieve a winning combination. Furthermore, inthis embodiment, if upon any of the remaining free spins a lockingsymbol appears on any other reel, that reel will also be locked for thenumber of free spins remaining. In this example, a locking symbol 240 dhas occurred on reel 232 c. The gaming device holds reels 232 a and 232c stationary for the remaining number of free spins, or until there-initiation condition has been fulfilled.

Referring now to FIG. 10B, the gaming device activates or spins thereels using one of the additional free spins provided to the player andthe number of free spins decreases to one as indicated by the spinsremaining display 234. The reels stop spinning and five symbols areindicated on payline 230 c. The indicated symbols are two lockingsymbols 240 c and 240 d, two triangle symbols 246 a and 246 b, and oneheart symbol 244. The two locking symbols 240 c and 240 d, as designatedwild symbols, function as or substitute for one of the symbols indicatedon the payline 230 c. Because there are two triangle symbols 246 a and246 b on the payline, the locking symbols 240 c and 240 d function as orsubstitute for a triangle symbol on payline 230 c. Thus, a symbolcombination including four matching symbols, specifically four trianglesymbols, is indicated on payline 230 c. This is a winning symbolcombination in the game. Therefore, the gaming device provides an awardassociated with the winning symbol combination (i.e., four trianglesymbols), which in this example is an award of fifty. The award of fiftyis added to the player's total award and the player now has a totalaward of one-hundred as indicated by the total award display 236.

It should be appreciated that the present invention may be employed in aprimary game, a bonus game, free spins game, a sub-game or in anysuitable game.

While the present invention is described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to thedisclosed embodiments, and is intended to cover various modificationsand equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of theclaims. Modifications and variations in the present invention may bemade without departing from the novel aspects of the invention asdefined in the claims, and this application is limited only by the scopeof the claims.

1. A gaming device operable under control of at least one processor,said gaming device comprising: a primary game controlled by the at leastone processor, operable upon a wager by a player and including aplurality of symbols; a primary game display device controlled by the atleast one processor and operable to display said primary game; and afree activation mode controlled by the at least one processor andprovided by the at least one processor upon an occurrence of atriggering event, said free activation mode including: (a) an unlimitednumber of free activations of the primary game, wherein each said freeactivation is without an additional wager by the player and any awardsfor any winning symbol combinations which occur in said free activationare provided to the player, and (b) a free activation mode terminatingevent triggered upon a generation of a terminating condition in one ofsaid free activations, wherein, in the free activation mode terminatingevent, a finite number of additional free activations of the primarygame are provided, said finite number being at least one, wherein foreach of the finite number of free activations, any awards for anywinning symbol combinations which occur in said free activation areprovided to the player.
 2. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein thefree activation mode is provided if the triggering event occurs in aplay of the primary game.
 3. The gaming device of claim 1, whichincludes a free activation mode re-initiation event which can occurafter the free activation mode terminating event, wherein upon anoccurrence of the free activation mode re-initiation event, said freeactivation mode which provides said unlimited number of free activationsof the primary game is re-initiated.
 4. The gaming device of claim 1,wherein the primary game includes a plurality of reels and said symbolsare on said reels.
 5. A gaming device operable under control of at leastone processor, said gaming device comprising: a primary game controlledby the at least one processor, operable upon a wager by a player; aprimary game display device controlled by the at least one processor andoperable to display said primary game; and a free activation modecontrolled by the at least one processor and provided by the at leastone processor upon an occurrence of a triggering event, said freeactivation mode including: (a) an unlimited number of free activationsof a secondary game, said secondary game including a plurality ofsymbols, wherein each said activation is without an additional wager bythe player, and any awards for any winning symbol combinations whichoccur in said free activation are provided to the player, and (b) a freeactivation mode terminating event triggered upon a generation of aterminating condition in one of said free activations, wherein, in thefree activation mode terminating event, a finite number of additionalfree activations of the secondary game are provided, said finite numberbeing at least one, wherein for each of the finite number of freeactivations, any awards for any winning symbol combinations which occurin said free activation are provided to the player.
 6. The gaming deviceof claim 5, wherein the free activation mode is provided if thetriggering event occurs in a play of the primary game.
 7. The gamingdevice of claim 5, which includes a free activation mode re-initiationevent which can occur after the free activation mode terminating event,wherein upon an occurrence of the free activation mode re-initiationevent, said free activation mode which provides said unlimited number offree activations of the secondary game is re-initiated.
 8. The gamingdevice of claim 5, wherein the primary game includes a plurality ofreels.
 9. The gaming device of claim 5, wherein the secondary gameincludes a plurality of reels and said symbols are on said reels. 10.The gaming device of claim 5, wherein the secondary game is the same asthe primary game.
 11. A gaming device operable under control of at leastone processor, said gaming device comprising: a primary game controlledby the at least one processor and operable upon a wager by a player; aprimary game display device controlled by the at least one processor andoperable to display said primary game; and a free activation modecontrolled by the at least one processor and provided by the at leastone processor upon an occurrence of a triggering event, said freeactivation mode including: (a) an unlimited number of free activationsof the primary game, each said activation without an additional wager bythe player, said activations of primary game including a plurality ofsymbols, said plurality of symbols including at least one locking symboland at least one terminating symbol, wherein for each of the unlimitednumber of free activations, any awards for any winning symbolcombinations which occur in said free activation are provided to theplayer, and (b) a free activation mode terminating event triggered upona generation of at least one of the locking symbols and at least one ofthe terminating symbols in one of said free activations, wherein, in thefree activation mode terminating event, a finite number of additionalfree activations of the primary game are provided, said finite numberbeing at least one, wherein for each of the finite number of freeactivations, any awards for any winning symbol combinations which occurin said free activation are provided to the player.
 12. The gamingdevice of claim 11, wherein the free activation mode is provided if thetriggering event occurs in a play of the primary game.
 13. The gamingdevice of claim 11, which includes a free activation mode re-initiationevent which can occur after the free activation mode terminating event,wherein upon an occurrence of the free activation mode re-initiationevent, said free activation mode which provides said unlimited number offree activations of the primary game is re-initiated.
 14. The gamingdevice of claim 11, wherein the primary game includes a plurality ofreels and said symbols are on said reels.
 15. A gaming device operableunder control of at least one processor, said gaming device comprising:a primary game controlled by the at least one processor and operableupon a wager by a player; a primary game display device controlled bythe at least one processor and operable to display said primary game;and a free activation mode controlled by the at least one processor andprovided by the at least one processor upon an occurrence of atriggering event, said free activation mode including: (a) an unlimitednumber of free activations of a secondary game, each said activationwithout an additional wager by the player, said activations of thesecondary game including a plurality of symbols, said plurality ofsymbols including at least one locking symbol and at least oneterminating symbol, wherein for each of the unlimited number of freeactivations, any awards for any winning symbol combinations which occurin said free activation are provided to the player, and (b) a freeactivation mode terminating event triggered upon a generation of atleast one of the locking symbols and at least one of the terminatingsymbols in one of said free activations, wherein, in the free activationmode terminating event, a finite number of additional free activationsof the secondary game are provided, said finite number being at leastone, wherein for each of the finite number of free activations, anyawards for any winning symbol combinations which occur in said freeactivation are provided to the player.
 16. The gaming device of claim15, wherein the free activation mode is provided if the triggering eventoccurs in a play of the primary game.
 17. The gaming device of claim 15,which includes a free activation mode re-initiation event which canoccur after the free activation mode terminating event, wherein upon anoccurrence of the free activation mode re-initiation event, said freeactivation mode which provides said unlimited number of free activationsof the secondary game is re-initiated.
 18. The gaming device of claim15, wherein the primary game includes a plurality of reels and saidsymbols are on said reels.
 19. The gaming device of claim 15, whereinthe secondary game includes a plurality of reels and said symbols are onsaid reels.
 20. The gaming device of claim 15, wherein the secondarygame is the same as the primary game.
 21. A gaming device operable undercontrol of at least one processor, said gaming device comprising: a gamecontrolled by the at least one processor; a plurality of symbols in saidgame; and said at least one processor programmed, upon occurrence of atriggering condition, to provide: (a) an unlimited number of activationsof said game, wherein for each of the unlimited number of activations,any awards for any winning symbol combinations which occur in saidactivation of the game are provided to the player, and (b) a terminatingevent triggered upon a generation of a terminating condition in one ofsaid activations, wherein said terminating event includes a finitenumber of additional activations, said finite number being at least one,wherein for each of the finite number of activations of said game, anyawards for any winning symbol combinations which occur in saidactivation of said game are provided to the player.
 22. The gamingdevice of claim 21, wherein the unlimited number of activations isprovided if the triggering condition occurs in a play of a primary gameoperable upon a wager.
 23. The gaming device of claim 21, which includesa re-initiation condition which can occur in one of said finite numberof activations of the terminating event, wherein upon an occurrence ofthe re-initiation event, said unlimited number of activations of thegame is re-initiated.
 24. A gaming device operable under control of atleast one processor, said gaming device comprising: a game controlled bythe at least one processor; a plurality of reels in said game, saidreels including a plurality of symbols, said symbols including at leastone locking symbol and at least one terminating symbol; and saidprocessor programmed, upon an occurrence of a triggering condition, toprovide: (a) an unlimited number of activations of said reels, whereinfor each of the unlimited number of activations, any awards for anywinning symbol combinations which occur on the reels in said activationare provided to the player, and (b) a terminating event triggered upon ageneration of at least one of the locking symbols and at least one ofthe terminating symbols on said reels in one of said activations,wherein the terminating event includes a finite number of additionalactivations of the reels, said finite number being at least one, whereinfor each of the finite number of activations of said reels, any awardsfor any winning symbol combinations which occur on the reels in saidactivation are provided to the player.
 25. The gaming device of claim24, wherein the unlimited number of activations is provided if thetriggering condition occurs in a play of a primary game operable upon awager.
 26. The gaming device of claim 24, which includes a re-initiationcondition which can occur in one of said finite number of activations ofthe terminating event, wherein upon an occurrence of the re-initiationevent, said unlimited number of activations of the game is re-initiated.27. A gaming device operable under control of at least one processor,said gaming device comprising: a game controlled by the at least oneprocessor and including a plurality of symbols; and a triggering event,wherein after an occurrence of the triggering event, the at least oneprocessor is programmed to: (i) provide an unlimited number ofactivations of the game to a player until a terminating condition occursby: (a) causing an activation of the game, (b) providing the player anyawards for any winning symbol combinations which occur in saidactivation of the game, and (c) repeating (a) and (b) if the terminatingcondition does not occur in said activation, and (ii) if the terminatingcondition occurs in said activation of the game, providing a finitenumber of additional activations of the game, said finite number beingat least one, and providing the player any awards for any winning symbolcombination which occur in said additional activations of the game. 28.The gaming device of claim 27, wherein the unlimited number ofactivations is provided to the player if the triggering event occurs ina play of a primary game.
 29. The gaming device of claim 27, wherein ifa re-initiation condition occurs in any of said finite number ofadditional activations of the game, the at least one processor isprogrammed to provide a further unlimited number of activations byrepeating (a) to (c).
 30. The gaming device of claim 27, wherein if theterminating condition occurs in any of said finite number of additionalactivations, the at least one processor is programmed to provide afurther unlimited number of activations by repeating (a) to (c).
 31. Agaming device operable under control of at least one processor, saidgaming device comprising: a primary game controlled by the at least oneprocessor, said primary game including a plurality of symbols andoperable upon a wager; and a triggering event, wherein after anoccurrence of the triggering event, the at least one processor isprogrammed to: (i) provide an unlimited number of activations to aplayer until a terminating condition occurs by: (a) causing anactivation of the primary game without any additional wager, (b)providing the player any awards for any winning symbol combinationswhich occur in said activation of said primary game, and (c) repeating(a) and (b) if the terminating condition does not occur in saidactivation, and (ii) if the terminating condition occurs in saidactivation, providing a finite number of additional activations of theprimary game, said finite number being at least one, and providing theplayer any awards for any winning symbol combination which occur in saidadditional activations.
 32. The gaming device of claim 31, wherein theunlimited number of activations are provided to the player if thetriggering event occurs in a play of the primary game.
 33. The gamingdevice of claim 31, wherein if a re-initiation condition occurs in anyof said finite number of additional activations, the at least oneprocessor is programmed to provide a further unlimited number ofactivations by repeating (a) to (c).
 34. The gaming device of claim 31,wherein if the terminating condition occurs in any of said finite numberof additional activations, the at least one processor is programmed toprovide a further unlimited number of activations by repeating (a) to(c).
 35. A gaming device operable under control of at least oneprocessor, said gaming device comprising: a primary game controlled bythe at least one processor, said primary game operable upon a wager; anda triggering event, wherein after an occurrence of the triggering event,the at least one processor is programmed to: (i) provide an unlimitednumber of activations to a player until a terminating condition occursby: (a) causing an activation of a plurality of reels without anyadditional wager, said reels including a plurality of symbols, (b)providing the player any awards for any winning symbol combinationswhich occur in said activation, and (c) repeating (a) and (b) if theterminating condition does not occur in said activation, and (ii) if theterminating condition occurs in said activation, providing a finitenumber of additional activations of the plurality of reels, said finitenumber being at least one, and providing the player any awards for anywinning symbol combination which occur in said additional activations.36. The gaming device of claim 35, wherein the unlimited number ofactivations are provided to the player if the triggering event occurs ina play of the primary game.
 37. The gaming device of claim 35, whereinif a re-initiation condition occurs in any of said finite number ofadditional activations, the at least one processor is programmed toprovide a further unlimited number of activations by repeating (a) to(c).
 38. The gaming device of claim 35, wherein if the terminatingcondition occurs in any of said finite number of additional activations,the at least one processor is programmed to provide a further unlimitednumber of activations by repeating (a) to (c).